Hammers lining up a move for Marseille star Nicolas N’Koulou.
West Ham United are putting together a January contingency plan as they look set to lose New Zealand international centre back Winston Reid on a free transfer at the end of the season, with Olympique Marseille star Nicolas N’Koulou being targeted by Hammers manager Sam Allardyce according to the Mail.
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The chances of Reid penning a new deal at Upton Park appear to be remote, with Arsenal and Everton reportedly considering moves to sign the former FC Midtjylland man either on a free transfer in the summer or cheaply in January, meaning that Allardyce has had to consider alternative options to stop his side’s fine season from being derailed.
N’Koulou is the man that Allardyce has identified as ideal to step into Reid’s shoes, due to his physicality and athleticism as well as his ability to start counter attacks with quick passes from defence – an asset that has made him vital to Marcelo Bielsa’s fine start to life as manager at the Stade Velodrome.
Former Monaco man N’Koulou is also out of contract at the end of the season and Marseille are unlikely to have the funds to extend his deal, meaning that West Ham could benefit from a contract situation just as they suffer from one with Reid.